The Last Safe Place

The escape

Emma eventually heard the sound of a car pulling up outside, and when she peeked through the blinds, she recognised it as the truck they had used previously. She could just about make out the side profile of August's face in the driver's seat.

She turned to Regina, who was watching her closely. "That's him," Emma said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Exiting the sheriff's station, Emmaed the way with Regina close behind. Wasting no time, she climbed into the passenger seat. As she sank into the seat, the weight of the situation seemed to momentarily lift off her shoulders and she couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"August," she said, her voice soft.  "Thank you for coming."

August nodded, his gaze briefly flicking to the brunette who had slid into the back seat. Regina acknowledged her gratitude with a nod.

"Of course," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."

Starting the engine, August pulled out of the station, his hands steady on the wheel while Emma fidgeted with her seatbelt. The truck rumbled down the road, and the sun was setting in the distance, casting long shadows across the road. An eerie silence settled in, an unspoken mutual fear amongst them.

"What happened to your head, by the way?" August questioned, eyeing her wound from the corner of his eye.

Regina remained silent for a moment, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Finally, she spoke up, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Your partner has a talent for finding trouble," she said, glancing over at Emma. Emma grinned sheepishly.

August chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't I know it."

Emma rolled her eyes as the car approached the diner, and as the front of the diner gradually came into view, a sense of unease built up in her chest. She had never wanted a day to be over with more than right now.

August reached over, squeezing her knee—a familiar pre-job gesture that brought her a strange comfort. He turned off his ignition, facing the pair, "What's the plan?"

Emma inhaled deeply. "I'm not sure how many walkers are inside, but there were a lot, so we need to be careful."

August face tightened, "I don't like this." He mumbled, his voice low. "Do you have any idea where Ruby and Andrea are?"

Emma shook her head, "No idea. We'll have to stick together, and if we run into any walkers, we'll take them out quietly. We don't want to attract any more attention than we have to."

August nodded, and reached behind his seat to retrieve a duffle bag. Emma watched as he extracted out an assortment of weapons.

"Here," August offered, handing Emma an automated weapon. "And Regina, you take this," he continued, passing the gun behind him. Regina examined the weapon with unease but nodded her thanks.

Observed the exchange, Emma cleared her throat and turned to face August. "I, um, was actually thinking maybe Regina should sit this one out."

August cast a glance over his shoulder at the mayor, who had bristled slightly, her gaze fixed on the blonde with an inscrutable expression on her face.

"I can assure you I am more than capable of handling myself, Miss Swan," Regina deadpanned, her eyes narrowed.

"I know, but -"

"I don't need you to decide what's best for me," Regina said, frowning at the blonde. "I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions."

Emma met Regina's gaze and lowered her voice, "I know you are, but I'm thinking about Henry."